AlpControl is a removable tibia support which allows skiing with mountaineering boots. It's made of high tensile carbon fiber and it works like a spring to give a "flex" comparable to that of a good ski boot.

Expedition Version Prototype used in Antarctic with Millet Everest boots Custom-made production for special boots. Separated straps with cam buckles.

Carbon / Titanium Version Carbon / Titanium Version shown without straps Batch production. L size adaptable to most of mountaineering boots sizing (41) 42 43 44 45 (46). Integrated clamping system for straps.

Content 2 carbon fiber springs with each : - 2 non-slip pads, 1 foam for tibia, 1 velcro strap, 1 titanium insert for leash. - 1 ankle strap. - 1 front strap. - 1 leash with 1 composite plastic/fiberglass piece to be fixed on the ski by 3 screws.

Content 2 carbon fiber springs with each : - 4 threads, 2 non-slip pads, 1 foam for tibia, 1 velcro strap, 1 titanium insert for leash. - 1 clamping system for ankle strap (fixed by 2 screws 10 mm) and a lever articulated by a titanium axis. - 1 ankle strap with 1 titanium ring and 1 titanium adjuster. - 1 clamping system for front strap (fixed by 2 screws 10 mm) and a lever articulated by a titanium axis. - 1 front strap sewn on a titanium ring. - 1 leash with 1 composite plastic/fiberglass piece to be fixed on the ski by 3 screws.

Choice of the mountaineering boots

With AlpControl, it is advised to use rigid or semi-rigid thermal mountaineering boots with an anti-swat reinforced front.

But you can opt for soft boots if you are first looking for efficiency while climbing and if you accept its limits while digging in the edges.

It is possible to use AlpControl upon boots with metal keepers on condition of changing pads when they are worn (see paragraph maintenance).

Choice of the bindings

Most cramponable boots are compatible with the Nic Impex Evolution Light and Silvretta 500. Some boots are also compatible with Silvretta Pure, Fritschi Diamir and other bindings.

Make sure that the binding is compatible with your boots by testing frontal and lateral release.

On the way up

Better let AlpControl in the backpack, knowing that it will make you loose about 5 times less energy that the same weight hung on the feet.

But for a brief climbing, it is possible to remove only the velcro strap.

To ski down

Position AlpControl on the kick and tighten the ankle strap slightly (about 10 daN = 10 Kg) around the boot. The levers must be towards the outside not to rub against the other boot.

Tighten the front strap moderately (about 25 daN) around the boot. The studs of the boots generally prevent the strap from sliding forward. Otherwise it is possible to cut a little notch in the sole of the boot.

Tighten the velcro strap slightly (about 10 daN) around the leg.
As the tibia is not a perfectly straight bone, it is not a problem if AlpControl looks a little crosswise, the important thing is to let the ankle works forward without being twisted sideways.

If you use the leash :
- let the binding into walking position.
- put the carabiner OBLIGATORY with the opening to the front (otherwise there is a risk of tearing away the screws).
- put the leash in the carabiner.
- set the binding into skiing position.

Optional leash

Using the leash is recommended in any situations except in case of avalanche risk.

Besides its usual function (not to lose the skis in powder) leash allows to copy the sensations of ski boots, which have some flex forward and a rough stop backward.

If slightly tightened, the leash can bend the position of the skier, increase the tightness of the spring since the beginning of the flexion, and limit the move to the back.

It's also more comfortable when skiing backwards with soft boots.

It is possible to ski with rigid boots (like Asolo, Koflach, Spantik…) without any leash and a well-balanced skier can even use soft boots.

The axis must be located 250 mm before the end of the boot.
Drill 3 holes Ř 3 x 8.5 mm in the ski (2 holes to the front, the 3rd rearward).
If the ski is reinforced at this point, the screws will be stuck with white glue (or wood glue).
Otherwise better stick the piece with some epoxy glue in addition to the 3 screws.

Maintenance

Between 2 uses, AlpControl should be stored in a dry place and kept away from UV and heat sources (radiator, stove…).

Before each use, check the tightening of screws. If they are too often loose, they can be sticked with white glue (or wood glue).

Before each use, check the condition of straps and leashs, change them if necessary.
Avoid walking on straps (better let AlpControl in the backpack when walking).
Regulary change the position of the leash to delay its wear.

After a fall or a clash against a hard material (tree, ice, rock), check the condition of parts and change them if they are distorted.

Change the non-slip pads when they are worn.
The pads and the velcro straps can be changed with neoprene glue.

Safety instructions

The saving of time on the way up with mountaineering boots is a security factor, however do not overestimate it and take time to gradually get used to your new equipment.

On the way up, be notably careful to flexible boots which do not hold backward.
Take care that digging in the edges will be less efficient with softer mountaineering boots.

To ski down, as any skier and any equipment can't be infallible, basic precautions for ski-mountaineering remain valid:

For these difficult sections, mountaineering boots will be an additional safety factor compared to ski boots.

USA and Canada

AlpControl is designed to fit to European standards and is not yet qualified nor insured for commercialisation on the North American territory.

The Canadian or American citizens who would buy a pair abroad (eg via internet) waives any claim against AlpControl.

In case of contesting, the only competent courts are European ones.